[LOGISTICS KNOWLEDGE] TEMPERATURE SET POINT – HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM CARGO TEMPERATURE?
One of the most common misunderstandings in reefer logistics. A reefer container is set at -18°C. Does that mean the cargo inside is also at -18°C?
👉 Not necessarily.
🌡️ WHAT IS THE SET POINT?
The set point is the temperature setting used by the reefer system to control and maintain the required transport environment.
For example: Set Point: -18°C – This does not mean that every part of the cargo immediately reaches -18°C.
📦 WHAT IS CARGO TEMPERATURE?
Cargo temperature is the actual temperature of the goods themselves.
It can be affected by several factors: Temperature at loading + cooling time + stowage pattern + airflow + packaging + product characteristics.
For example, frozen cargo may require a temperature of -18°C, but its core temperature is still -10°C when loaded.
Even if: SET POINT = -18°C you should not assume: CARGO TEMPERATURE = -18°C
⚠️ WHY DOES THIS MATTER?
A reefer container is primarily designed to maintain cargo that has been properly prepared for temperature-controlled transportation. It should not automatically be treated as equipment for rapidly pulling down the temperature of warm cargo.
If cargo is loaded at an unsuitable temperature, the refrigeration system may face a higher heat load, and the cargo may take significantly longer to reach the required condition.
This is why proper pre-cooling or pre-conditioning of cargo can be critical, depending on the commodity.
💡 REMEMBER
Set Point ≠ Supply Air ≠ Return Air ≠ Cargo Temperature
These temperatures are related – but they are not the same thing.
Understanding the difference helps shippers and logistics providers better assess cargo conditions, reduce operational risks, and prevent unnecessary disputes during temperature-controlled transportation.
Cold Chain is not just about setting the right temperature. It is about keeping the cargo within the right conditions throughout its journey.
A reefer container is set at -18°C. Does that mean the cargo inside is also at -18°C?
👉 Not necessarily.
🌡️ WHAT IS THE SET POINT?
The set point is the temperature setting used by the reefer system to control and maintain the required transport environment.
For example: Set Point: -18°C – This does not mean that every part of the cargo immediately reaches -18°C.
📦 WHAT IS CARGO TEMPERATURE?
Cargo temperature is the actual temperature of the goods themselves.
It can be affected by several factors: Temperature at loading + cooling time + stowage pattern + airflow + packaging + product characteristics.
For example, frozen cargo may require a temperature of -18°C, but its core temperature is still -10°C when loaded.
Even if: SET POINT = -18°C you should not assume: CARGO TEMPERATURE = -18°C
⚠️ WHY DOES THIS MATTER?
A reefer container is primarily designed to maintain cargo that has been properly prepared for temperature-controlled transportation. It should not automatically be treated as equipment for rapidly pulling down the temperature of warm cargo.
If cargo is loaded at an unsuitable temperature, the refrigeration system may face a higher heat load, and the cargo may take significantly longer to reach the required condition.
This is why proper pre-cooling or pre-conditioning of cargo can be critical, depending on the commodity.
💡 REMEMBER
Set Point ≠ Supply Air ≠ Return Air ≠ Cargo Temperature
These temperatures are related – but they are not the same thing.
Understanding the difference helps shippers and logistics providers better assess cargo conditions, reduce operational risks, and prevent unnecessary disputes during temperature-controlled transportation.
Cold Chain is not just about setting the right temperature. It is about keeping the cargo within the right conditions throughout its journey.
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